The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance concluded its summer shareholder meeting last week with more than 500 shareholders and channel partners in attendance. Three evening sessions were held virtually in true “late night talk show” style with co-hosts John and JC Washbish.
The week kicked off with a Shareholder’s presentation Tuesday night, including departmental updates from the Alliance’s category management, information technology and sales & marketing teams. Wednesday and Thursday evening, Alliance Shareholders and Channel Partners attended sessions featuring updates on industry news, Information Technology’s “Top 10,” an interview with the Alliance’s newest Shareholder – Auto Plus’ Joe Ferrer, and an update on national account sales.
Thursday evening also featured a special “Thank You Notes” session with live special guest, Larry Northup. Northup will retire from the Auto Care Association in July with more than 20 years’ experience. A clock was presented to honor his legacy and impact to the automotive aftermarket. Thursday evening ended with a Channel Partner panel featuring Colby Florea of Gates, Michelle Allen of Valvoline, and Craig Meadows of MPA. The three spoke with JC Washbish about their plans for the upcoming Aftermarket Jackpot event during the 2022 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas.
“In what we hope to be our last virtual meeting, the Alliance team pulled off a tremendous feat in creating a talk show setting. It was a high-energy meeting with excellent content and
entertainment. While we can’t wait to be back in person during our Jackpot event, last week’s event was a fun kickoff to summer,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.
The Alliance concluded the meetings on Friday with a principals-only call for its North American and Latin American principals.
